Police in Belagavi have detained seven individuals, including the personal gunman of former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, for attempting to rob a victim of Rs 2.68 crore. The incident occurred in Mudalagi town on October 30, and the gunman, Chidanand Kurabet, has been suspended by Belagavi Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan.
The scheme began when Kalmes, a resident of Mudalagi, lost funds in Shivam Associates. Kurabet allegedly exploited this situation by promising to double the victim’s money, offering an additional Rs 30,000 for every Rs 1 lakh deposited and assuring that the amount would be credited to his bank account. Trusting these assurances, Kalmes collected Rs 2.68 crore from banks, a society, and friends before contacting Kurabet to confirm the funds were ready.
Kurabet and his associates lured Kalmes to a shed under the pretext of counting the cash. Upon arrival, the group attacked him, throwing chilli powder into his eyes and assaulting him in an attempt to seize the money. However, Kalmes had stationed men around the shed as a precaution. When the attack commenced, these individuals caught the perpetrators, assaulted them, and handed them over to the police.
The arrested accused are identified as Chidanand Kurabet, Sanjeev Arabhavi, Rajaram, Ramesh Malyagol, Prakash, Raghavendra Koppad, and Ramappa Talwar. Police recovered Rs 2.39 crore from the group. One accused remains absconding, and authorities are searching for the remaining cash. A case has been registered at Mudalagi police station, with further investigation underway.
